‘Community Happens When People Come Together’: Local Ministries Bring Kids Fest to Bright Sky

By Adam Chalifoux

MOORHEAD, Minn. - Churches United Kids Fest at Bright Sky Apartments was a hit this week thanks to the collaborative efforts from Dilworth Lutheran, Pathways Lutheran Ministries, and Churches United staff.

Each day of the three-day camp consisted of a homemade meal provided by Dilworth Lutheran Church, followed by a children’s sermon, arts and crafts, playing outside, a sing-along, and dessert. Activities were led by youth ministers from Pathways Lutheran.

The fun and games brought smiles to children, parents, staff members, and volunteers alike. Highlights included making tie-dye butterflies, creating empowering posters, and enjoying the summer sun during classic yard games.

Dilworth Lutheran posted a heartfelt thanks on its social media Thursday, saying, “We thank God for our connections with Churches United and all of its ministries! What a gift to serve at Bright Sky Apartments this week! Please pray for their ministries today!”

Churches United Development Director Stephanie Ressler said events like this are not just a crucial part of Churches United’s mission, but a joy to participate in with the partners who made the camp possible.

"Watching the families and individuals of Bright Sky connect with Dilworth Lutheran volunteers and the Pathways youth leaders during Kids Fest was a great reminder that community happens when people come together," Ressler said.

Churches United was founded in 1987 in the heart of downtown Moorhead in a former Lutheran church. In 2019, Churches United merged with the Dorothy Day organization, also located in Moorhead. CU now operates Micah’s Mission, which provides emergency shelter and a community day center; Dorothy Day Food Pantry, a standalone food pantry in downtown Moorhead; and Bright Sky Apartments and Silver Lining Apartments, both permanent supportive housing apartments in north Moorhead.